Can You Drink Sweet Tea While Pregnant?
Drinking sweet tea while pregnant is a subject of much debate, both medically and culturally. Many women enjoy this highly caffeinated type of tea not only as a treat, but to help ease the many unpleasant symptoms associated with pregnancy. However, there are risks associated with drinking this specific variety of tea during pregnancy that must be weighed.
Pros
There are a few pros associated with drinking sweet tea during pregnancy:
- Improves Digestion: Sweet tea is an age-old remedy for digestive issues. Some research even suggests that drinking sweet tea can reduce symptoms of morning sickness.
- Provides Comfort: One of the best parts about sweet tea is that it’s soothing and comforting. Pregnancy can be quite uncomfortable and sweet tea can help relax the wearer.
- Delicious Taste: Sweet tea, although not inherently healthy, is a delicious beverage. Sweet tea may help satisfy woman’s cravings while providing the needed caffeine boost.
Cons
However, there are also significant cons associated with drinking sweet tea while pregnant:
- Contains Caffeine: Sweet tea contains upwards of 40 mg of caffeine. This is not recommended for pregnant women as too much caffeine can lead to potential health risks.
- Contains Sugar: Sweet tea is full of sugar, which is generally unhealthy for pregnant women. Too much sugar consumption can lead to gestational diabetes.
- Alcoholic Versions: Some varieties of sweet tea are actually spiked with alcohol. Obviously, this should be avoided during pregnancy.
Conclusion
Overall, there are both pros and cons associated with drinking sweet tea while pregnant. It is advised to consult a healthcare provider who can best advise what is right for you and your baby. At the end of the day, the decision to drink sweet tea during pregnancy is yours to make.
